46 U.S.C. § 9101 — Standards for foreign tank vessels

(a)(1) The Secretary must periodically evaluate a foreign country's manning, training, qualification, and watchkeeping standards for vessels covered by chapter 37, and must evaluate them when such a vessel^* is involved in a reportable marine casualty under section 6101(a)(4) or (5). (2) After each evaluation, the Secretary must decide whether the country has licensing and certification standards at least equivalent to United States law or United States-accepted international standards, and whether the country enforces them. (3) If not, the Secretary must bar that country's documented vessels from entering the United States until the standards are established and enforced. (4) The Secretary may allow provisional entry if the owner or operator shows the vessel is not unsafe or a threat to the marine environment, or if entry is needed for the vessel's or occupants' safety. (b) A covered foreign vessel^* carrying oil or hazardous material in bulk, or residue, must have the number of certified tankermen or equivalent personnel the Secretary requires when transferring it in a United States-jurisdiction port or place. Applicable terminal procedures must state^* this requirement. Transfer may occur only if the responsible crew member can clearly understand English instructions.